Wireless Controller Handover for Continuous Load Control Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
In load control environments, users face difficulties in configuring load control systems due to the need to connect to specific system controllers within range, as movement can lead to loss of connection or interference from stronger signals, making it challenging to manage and configure devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a network device that can seamlessly switch between wireless connections of system controllers using a common SSID and SSID password, allowing communication with target system controllers through gateway system controllers via port forwarding, enabling configuration and operation without requiring direct connection to the intended system controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user connects to a system controller via wireless network to configure devices, then configuration capability is enabled, but connection stability deteriorates when user moves outside range or into stronger signal areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal configuration approach where any system controller can serve as a gateway for configuring any target system controller in the network. The network device can connect to different system controllers and redirect configuration requests to the appropriate target, making the configuration capability independent of the user's physical location and maintaining connection stability through multiple possible connection paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple system controllers provide independent wireless networks, then each controller can be configured independently, but network complexity increases requiring IT intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway system controller as an intermediary that simplifies network complexity. When a network device connects to a gateway system controller, the gateway automatically redirects configuration requests to the appropriate target system controller. This intermediary mechanism maintains the ability to configure different system controllers independently while hiding the network complexity from end users, eliminating the need for IT intervention.
3Ease of operation
If system controllers use common SSID and password, then seamless switching between controllers is enabled, but authentication security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process into two distinct layers: network access authentication and configuration authorization. All system controllers use a common SSID and password for network access, enabling seamless switching. However, individual configuration authorization is maintained through device-specific credentials and targeted configuration requests, ensuring that compromising one controller's network access does not grant access to all controllers' configuration capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A load control system may be provided including control devices and a system controller. The system controller may be configured to broadcast a service set identifier (SSID) and provide a wireless network connection to a network device. The system controller may provide a web page to the network device, wherein the web page may include an indication of target system controllers. The target system controllers may be used for configuring (e.g., associating) the control devices. The system controller may receive an indication of a target system controller selected to associate the control devices. The system controller may determine an address and port number of the target system controller identified by the network device. The system controller may provide, to the network device, the web page from the target system controller while the network device is connected to the system controller via the wireless network connection.